10/10/2026
🐾 What's hiding between your dog's toes?
Here's something most dog owners probably don't think about very often...the hair growing between their dog's paw pads.
We groomers spend a surprising amount of time looking at dog feet. And trust me, we've found some interesting things in there! 😂
Depending on the breed, some dogs grow quite a bit of hair between their pads. On a fluffy dog, it can get so long that you can barely see the pads at all.
Now, a little hair between the toes is perfectly normal. It serves a purpose, and not every dog needs it trimmed.
But when that hair becomes excessive, it can cause a few problems.
First, traction!
Your dog's paw pads are designed to make contact with the ground. When long, silky hair grows over them, it can act almost like a pair of fuzzy socks.
Ever watched your dog go sliding across the hardwood floor when they try to make a turn?
Sometimes overgrown paw hair is part of the problem.
This is especially important for senior dogs and dogs with mobility issues. A dog who already struggles to get up or maintain their footing doesn't need slippery feet making life more difficult.
Then there's matting.
Hair between the toes and pads can become tangled and packed together, especially in dogs with long or curly coats.
And these aren't always the big, obvious mats you can see on the rest of the body.
Sometimes they're little, tight knots tucked right up against the skin. They can pull uncomfortably when the dog walks, and owners may never even realize they're there.
We've also found burrs, grass seeds, little bits of debris, and all sorts of things tangled in paw hair.
And don't forget moisture.
Feet spend a lot of time in contact with grass, mud, puddles, and whatever else your dog manages to investigate.
Excessive hair and matting can hold moisture and debris against the skin. In some dogs, that can contribute to irritation, particularly if they're already prone to allergies or licking their feet.
So should you shave all the hair out of your dog's feet?
Not necessarily!
The goal isn't to make every paw completely bald. It's to keep the feet clean, comfortable, and functional. Different dogs have different coat types, and some need more maintenance than others.
At Flying Fur, we check paw pads during grooming and trim excess hair when appropriate. It's one of those little details that might not make a dramatic difference in your dog's haircut, but can make a real difference in their comfort.
Here's something you can do at home.
Every so often, gently spread your dog's toes and take a look underneath.
Check for tangles, redness, trapped debris, or anything that looks uncomfortable. If your dog suddenly starts licking one foot excessively or seems painful when you touch it, that's worth a closer look and possibly a visit to your veterinarian.
And please don't go digging around between those little pads with scissors! The skin there is delicate, and it's very easy to accidentally cut a dog who moves unexpectedly.
Sometimes the smallest parts of grooming make the biggest difference.
After all, those four feet carry your best friend everywhere they go. ❤️🐾
Flying Fur Mobile Grooming
NOW ACCEPTING A LIMITED NUMBER OF NEW CLIENTS We are currently welcoming new clients in Spring Hill, Thompson Station, Franklin, Brentwood, Columbia, and College Grove. Our routes are thoughtfully built around consistent care, coat health, and long term relationships. When space allows on an establi...
